Afghanistan Back on Soccer Map

Afghans play soccer near the destroyed Darul Aman Palace in Kabul March 28.

Afghanistan hosts its first international soccer match in 10 years on Tuesday, when it plays neighbor Pakistan in a friendly in Kabul.

Afghanistan sits at 139 in the FIFA world rankings, above Pakistan at 167. The world’s top ranked side is Spain.

“The fact that we are hosting our first international game in 10 years, and the first against Pakistan in Kabul since 1977, represents a major highlight for football in our country,” Afghanistan Football Federation Secretary General Sayed Aghazada was quoted as saying by FIFA.com, the world soccer body’s official website.

The match at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium in Kabul kicks off at 4 p.m. local time. Afghanistan’s last international match in Kabul was against Turkmenistan in November 2003. Afghanistan lost 0-2, an improvement on the 0-11 thrashing it suffered in Ashgabat, the capital of Turkmenistan, three days prior.

“Afghan football has improved in terms of organization and infrastructure, and we now believe that football can play an even bigger role in our country. Of course we expect a sold-out crowd,” FIFA.com quoted Mr. Aghazada as saying.